Trekking Tour of Ethiopia Trekking Tour of Ethiopia offered by supplier M17566 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 10 - 21 day(s) Group Size: 3 - 20 people Minimum Per Person Price: 2000 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 4000 US Dollar (USD) Our trek consists of going to Ras Dashen (4543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia and visits to Historic Routes of Ethiopia Mountains such as Ras Dashen, one of the tallest mountains in Africa. After visiting The Monasteries over Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls and the medieval castles at Gondar, we continue into the Simien Mountains for a quite a tough trek. The Simien Mountains of Ethiopia offer superb wilderness trekking with camera snapping scenery, dramatic cliffs and steep drops and escarpments. You can see and the chance to spot endemic wildlife such as a troop of Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex and Simien fox and Ethiopia’s many endemic birds and plant life unique to the mountains. Finally we visit the obelisk city of Axum and the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Axum is said to house the Ark of the Covenant. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Classic hotel or guest house. An briefing of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will see the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 m and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Day 2: Drive from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar stopping off at Debre Libanos. Overnight at Debre Markos. Drive to Bahir Dar through the beautiful scenery at after 103 kms drive, visit the 13th C monastery of Debre Libanos and the 17th C Portuguese Bridge.

Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. See Portugese Bridge with breathtaking views of Blue Nile Gorge. See Waterfalls. Day 3: Bahir Dar. After breakfast, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries and churches. See the Blue Nile Falls. Overnight: Tana Hotel. Day 4: Drive Gondar Tour of Gondar. We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that we visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight: Goha Hotel. Day 5: Gondar - Geech Camp Site. Morning 3 hours drive through countryside to Debark town (100 km from Gondar), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found.

Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 km) the first campsite of the National Park. It is this day that we start to walk in the national park. We begin the trek along all the trekking staff: including mules and Muleteers for packing and transport of camping gears and all foodstuffs. We walk from Sankaber to Geech, which will take between 5-6 hours. After about 1 and half hours walk we see the Jinnbar River and falls, we will cross the river later in the day. After crossing the river, we ascend for about two hour to Geech, which is full of Giant Lobelias. Overnight Camping at Geech Campsite (3600 m). Day 6: Geech - Imetegogo – Geech. This day we will be waking to the best viewpoints in the National park. First we walk to Imetegogo, the view here enables one to look 3600 to all directions this one of the best view in the national park. After a short stay here continue walk to Seha, the other terrific viewpoint in the National park.

We will have our picnic lunch and we continue to the last viewpoint, Quedadit. After some stay we walk back to Geech camp site. The walk this day is not hard; it takes about 4 - 5 hours. It is the day that we will be walking in the best part of the national park. Camping at Geech Campsite - (3600 m). Day 7: Cheneck. We trek to Chenek, we will be walking through the Giant lobelia trees and under these trees African field Rats are common. After picnic lunch we walk on the edge of Enatye escarpments (4000 m above sea level), which is another breathtaking view in the national park; finally we descend to Chenek. Chenek is the best place to see the endemic Waliya Ibex and more Gelada Baboon. It takes 6 - 7 hours walk. Overnight Camping at Chenek (3600 m). Day 8: Ambiquo. We walk to Ambiquo climbing Buhit Mountain (4430 m) the 2nd highest peak next to Ras Dashen in Semien Mountain ranges, giving excellent views over the whole area.

After, refreshment at the summit, you descend towards Chero Laba crossing the Mesheha River, we will reach to Ambiquo and resting for the night here, before the big day on Ras Dashen. The walk of this day takes 7- 8 hours. Overnight Camping at Ambiquo (3200 m). Day 9: Ras Dashen then Maje. Very early morning start walking toward mount Ras Dashen.You get up in the pre-dawn chill for what will be the most challenging day of the Trek. To reach the summit can take up to 6 hrs. You will head up the valley from campsite to the small village of Mizma, from where you will climb steeply up wards, eventually reaching an impressive amphitheatre made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock, one of which is your goal, Ras Dashen. It is then an easy scramble to the summit, Ras Dashen, which is the fourth highest peak in Africa (4543 m). After taking in the impressive views descend to Maje for an overnight. The whole round trek takes from 8-10 hours. Overnight Camping at Maje (3200 m).

Day 10: Arquazeye. Walk from Ambiquo to Arquazeye through the magnificent landscape. From Ambiko the path leads us back down to the Mesheha River (2800 m). Our destination tonight is Arkwasiye, which is situated at an altitude of 3600 m, and located at the northern reached of the Mesheha Wenz River. It is another great day to take in some more incredible views of the Simien Mountains: Munt Wali Kend and Mount Silky in a distance view. The whole round trek takes from 6-7 hours. Overnight camping in Arquazeye, 3600 m. Day 11: Mekarebia. Trek from Arquazeye to Mekarebia. We descend for about 2 hours and we cross a river. On this river we stay for about an hours in swimming and washing some clothes and walk to Mekarebia. Overnight camping. Day 12: Mulit. Trek from Mekarabia to Mulit. On the way to Mullit this day once again we stop for swimming at the river.

Afternoon we will ascend for 2 hours before we reach Mullit. Overnight camping. Day 13: Aderkay meet vehicles and drive to Axum. Trek from Mulit to Aderkay meet vehicles and to drive Axum. We have a two hours walk to Adi Arkai. Here we will be picked up by vehicle and drive to Axum Overnight: Remehay Hotel. Day 14: Visit of historical and archaeological sites in Axum The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. We will visit the obelisks and church and museum. Day 15: Fly Lalibela. Day 16: In Lalibela For a full days intensive viewing of the rock churches. Day 17: Fly to Addis Ababa and in the evening Departure After breakfast fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Evening dinner party and bon voyage! Note: Also we provide tailor-made safari tours. Member discount: Ethiopia: Simien Mountain Trek Accommodation details Wild Camping & Hotels You will spend 9 nights wild camping and 4 nights in standard hotels. Tents will be erected by local staff members, who will also cook and wash up.

Limited single accommodation is available and we can arrange extra accommodation before or after the trip. Single supplement available from GBP200 Essential info Vaccinations and Visa All nationalities require a visa for Ethiopia which can be obtained before departure (at a cost of GBP26) or on arrival (at a cost of USD50 - be prepared to queue for a while). Please note that the Ethiopian government may change their visa on arrival policy at very short notice so make sure to check the latest advice. A certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination maybe required in order to obtain your visa, for instance if you're travelling from a country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission - please check with the embassy for the latest advice. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten.

We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Holiday style This is a strenuous trek with several days spent close to or above 4,000 metres. There are a number of long days including the optional ascent of Ras Dashen, at 4,543m the highest mountain in Ethiopia; this involves 1,300m of ascent and descent in one day. There is also a lot of ascent and descent on many of the other days, and some fairly exposed rough trails. We do not suggest that you attempt this trek unless you are confident of your ability. The total cumulative amount of ascent is 6,500m, and the descent is 7,650m. There are 10 days walking with full porterage, and the trip is graded C (this is at the tougher end of the grade C scale though). On the October departures there is the possibility of some river crossings. The trails in the Simien Mountains are generally well marked and the landmarks are distinctive. We will be walking for about 6-7 hours a day (although on 4 days as much as 10-12 hours) and the terrain can be quite tough in places.

Much of the trek is in remote areas. If you suffer from vertigo, you may want to carefully consider this trip before booking. There are steep drops in the Simien Mountains, which is what makes the scenery so spectacular. There is never an occasion when you need walk close to the edge of the cliffs so if you are happy to stand back you should not be discomforted in any way. Eating & drinking All breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners Hotel meals are generally good although they can lack variety. Local dishes tend to be very good if you like hot, spicy food although milder versions can be requested. Local food is traditionally eaten with the hands. The sour bread known as injera is used as a scoop for the casserole dishes known as wat. All food on trek is cooked for you and, although local produce can be a bit limited in the mountains, it is usually of a high standard. Vegetarians can be catered for, though you may find the diet somewhat limited. Clients who have specialist dietary requirements must contact us to discuss if they can be accommodated. Ethiopia is a poor country and they are not familiar with gluten or lactose free diets.

Please note that you should not drink the tap water in Ethiopia. We also suggest that clients bring snack food as this can be difficult to obtain outside of Addis Ababa. Download Trip Notes Trip notes Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list. Weather & seasonality It is likely to be sunny most of the time on all departures. Most of Ethiopia is high, so although the sun is powerful, the temperature is usually very pleasant. There is, however, the risk of sunburn at high altitude, so it is essential you ensure you are adequately protected. Nights are generally cool to cold, depending on altitude and frosts are possible overnight in the mountains, when the night temperature could drop to 0degC and exceptionally to -5degC. Daytime temperatures seldom rise above 25degC except at lower altitudes. It can be very hot in the lowlands in December, January and February. The main rains come between June and late September, and while November is one of the coolest months of the year it is also generally one of the clearest. January and February will be hotter and much drier.

The landscape is likely to be more arid than in October and November, which can still be quite lush after the rains. Please note that there is a possibility of rain on all departures (especially October). Gallery Pick your question What is the walking like in the Simien mountains? It is a stunning area but you should be prepared for some long days walking at altitude. The longest day we did was about 10/11 hours but the average is about 7/8. The scenery is amazing, going from low grasslands up on to the escarpment, following valleys lined with tiny villages but without any roads. It can be demanding but well worth it! Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations Is it easy to get around Ethiopia? You should be aware that, especially in the more remote areas and outside any cities, that the roads can be pretty rough and ready at times. Some drives can be long and dusty and you should be prepared for this. Saying that, there is always something to watch from the van, so you'll never bored! Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations What vaccinations do I need?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. There will be limited information in the trip notes but you should always seek further qualified medical advice. Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code. Visit for further information. For additional information please visit: Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations How should I take my money to Ethiopia? The local currency is the birr, which is closed currency meaning you cannot get it outside of the country. ATMs are limited and can be very unreliable when it comes to UK or foreign bank cards. In this case, you should take your money in cash, and change when you arrive. Sterling can be changed at the airport, but dollars would be best outside the capital, so maybe a mix of both.

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For this to work correctly, you must be signed in during your 'user session'; i.e. during your time on the Exodus website. These will then be saved in your account (don't have an Exodus website account? Sign up now! ). The Shortlist menu item (top of every page) only appears when holidays are added. Adding holidays can be done by clicking on the 'Add to shortlist' with the 'Heart' symbol on any 'Holiday' page above the 'At a Glance' section, or in the 'holiday' panels within Search Results pages, or in the 'You might also like...' section at the foot of the trip page viewed. The selected holidays will be saved into your account for consideration and can be removed there, as well as from the 'compare trips' page from the menu link located at the top of every page. Dates & prices National Parks of Ethiopia - Petra Tour and Travel Ethiopia National Parks of Ethiopia The Semien National Park The natural event which took place million years ago created an extraordinary landscape, deep gorges and peaks, providing the Semien Mountains the most magnificent View.

The high peaks including Ras Dashen (4439 mts), which is the highest mountain in Ethiopia, the deep gorges and valleys in addition with the barley field gives the most marvelous landscape. The roads which are hardly possible to be crossed with 4WDs makes the Semien Mountain the most ideal place for trekking. Here, it’s possible to trek for days with high probability of encountering the Gelada Baboons, Walias and the Simien fox, though with less frequency. The Bale Mountains The Bale Mountains, which lie over 2,400 Square kilometers, is a home for various flora and fauna species. The park which comprises riverine plains, woodlands and bush land, is a home for several endemic species like Mountain Nyala and Semien fox, where the park is believed to be established to protect these two animals. The park is home to high mountains with a peak of 4,377 meter above sea level, which is the second largest in the country. The forest is also a home for different pig species, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, African hunting dogs and many others. More over the Bale Mountains are home for 16 endemic bird species.

The park is among the most suitable walking areas in the country with a chance to see several endemic and common species at a closer distance Awash National Park The park is found in the lowlands to the east, 211 Kms from the capital. With total area of 827 square kilometers, it’s bounded with Awash River in the south. The Fantale volcano, where one can see the dark scar of the latest lava flow, is among the main features of the park. The plains of the park are excellent for game viewing and admiring the spectacular Awash Gorge. Awash is home for numerous bird species and endemic animals like Swayne’s hartebeest Mago National Park The park, which is home for a wide range of people, is found on the east bank of the Omo River. With a total area of 2162 square Kilometers, it’s the place where the most fascinating tribes including the Mursi, Karo, Banna, Hammer, Bodi and Dizi still live in the most primitive way. Omo National Park It’s found in the West bank of the Omo River which runs along the Sudan border. The park is home for several wild animals.

The park provides an opportunity for trekking where one can visit the Suma people, who are almost similar with Mursi where the women wear a clay disk on their lip. Gambella National Park With total real of 5, 060 square kilometers, it’s located in the town of Gambella and the Akobo River system. Though it’s less visited, the park contains many endemic species such as white- eared kob, lechwe. The park is also famous for whale-headed stork, antelope, topi, elephant, buffalo and giraffe. Nech Sar National Park The broad grass plains of Nechi Sar National Park lie 510km south of Addis near the town of Arba Minch, in between Lakes Abaya and chamo. A wide variety of plains game roams freely amongst 514m2 of savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest, which are also the habitat of 188 recorded species of birds. In the far eastern part of the park hot springs bubble to the surface. A backdrop of hills and mountains combine to make this one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia, and its location makes it very accessible.

Accommodation is available at Wendo Genet, Arba Minch and Awasa, while there are camping sites in the park. Nech Sar National Park is home to several animals and bird species. Such as, Bushbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Anubis Baboon, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Swayne’s, Greater Kudu, Hartebeest, Crocodile, Burchell’s Zebra, Hippopotamus, Red-billed Hornbill, Fish Eagle, Grey Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill etc… Yangudi Rassa National Park With total area of 4730sqkm, it is characterized by semi-desert trees and shurbs, savannah, open wood land vegitaion and six species of mammals including wild ass, Gravy’s, Zebra, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, and other endemic animals are available. Gambella National Park Located about 600 kilometres from Addis Ababa on the river Baro, Gambela has a strange history.

From 1902 until it was captured by the Italians in the Second World War, it was administered by the British, the only part of Ethiopia to be so governed. The reason for this is that the British opened a port there on the wide and navigable Baro River, which during four months of the rainy season is navigable and provides direct access to the sea via the Nile through Khartoum. Ethiopian coffee was exported via this route, up to 1940. Now the port has fallen into disrepair, though remains of the warehouses and jetty can be seen. At its peak, up to 40 ships would be in dock at any one time. Gambela (sometimes spelt Gambella) gives access to the GambeIa National Park. Beyond Gambela towards the Sudanese border, the Anuak cultivators give way to the nomadic Nuer. These pastoralists herd their long-horned cattle into huge camps when they stop for the night. In the river are to be found huge Nile perch, up to 100 kilograms, crocodiles and hippos.

Other wildlife includes buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, Roan antelope, zebra, bushbuck, Abyssinian reedbuck, warthog, hartebeest, hyena, lion and elephant. Unfortunately, there are very few animals to be seen in the park, but the birds are many and varied, the olive baboon and the local race of the vervet, with its white whiskers, are the very common, as is the black and white colobus monkey. Abjiata-Shalla National Park Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is formed by the twin lakes of Abyata and Shala. It has a total area of 887 square kilometers (550 square miles) in size, of which 482 square kilometer (300 square miles) is water. Both lakes are terminal lakes but very different in nature. The park was created for the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. The surrounding area is mainly acacia woodland, some of which is very degraded by man.

Lake Abyata is a shallow pan, only 14 meters (46 feet) deep and its level fluctuates periodically. The beaches are unstable and saline, which creates a very real danger of sinking on the vehicles that venture too close. The lake provides the main source of food for the colonies of great while pelicans on the nearby Lake Shala. Lake Shala by contrast, is, at 260 meters (853 feet), Ethiopia’s deepest rift valley lake, possibly the deepest lake in Africa north of the Equator. Shalla’s islands are used as breeding sites by many birds, and are home to the continent’s most important breeding colony of Great White Pelicans. The color of the water is like cold tea and there is a high concentration f salts, making it feel soapy. Few fish are found in this lake. It is also one of the seven nesting sites of the bird in the whole of Africa. Apart from the above mentioned birds, some others include White-necked Cormorant, African Fish Eagle, Egyptian Geese, various Plover species, and Herons. Local mammals are not numerous but include Grant’s gazelle, Greater Kudu, Oribi, Warthog and Golden Jackal.

Besides, some of the scenery is very beautiful, especially at dusk; the sight of Pelicans dipping into the silver waters of Lake Abyata is unforgettable. MOLLA TOURS & LODGE LALIBELA LALIBELA – The African Jerusalem Pilgrims to Lalibella shared the same blessings as pilgrims to Jerusalem. Coming to this holy place you will find an atmosphere of mystry. Eleven rock churches carved out of solid granite rocks of the mountain signify the new Ethiopian Jerusalem. The churches are divided into two groups according to their location with respect to the river Jordan and are connected to eachother by means of narrow underground passages. Each church has its own unique architectural style and most are decorated with well preserved paintings. Even if the fame of the wonders of the world has been outworn and the word “Wonder” itself has been misused, any visitor will rediscover its true meaning when faced with the brock churches of Lalibella.

GONDAR GONDAR – The Camelot of Africa Gondar became the capital of Ethiopiaduring the reign of mperor Fassiladas( 1632-1667)He established a tradition that was followed by most of his successors whose buildings greatly enhanced the grandeurer of the city/These medival castlesin the royal compound enclosed by high walls and its numerous churches are the primary attractions of Gondar. The typical church of Debre Berhan Sellasie meaning “ The Trinity on the Mountain Light”has a unique wall painting signifying the Life of Jesus and the winged vAngels painted from top to bottom. The murals date back to the 17th century and represent one of the best collections of religious paintingsin Ethiopian style. AXUM AXUM The capital city of Amhara region is located in the southernshores of lake Tana. Ethiopias largest Lake.It is here The Blue Nile begin its long journey to Egypt.35 kms from the city The tis issat falls “ Smoke of fire”can be observed.

Lake Tana is also dotted with more than thirty Ilands many of which contain monasteries and churches, some of them dating back to the 13th century.Historical relices including crowns of former kings and and ancient manuscripts are found in these churches.you can have a glimpse of the monastic life of the monks.Papyrus boats carrying wood for local use cruise on lake Tana taking to Markets are the other attractions of Bahir dar. BAHIRDAR BAHIRDAR Pilgrims to Lalibella shared the same blessings as pilgrims to Jerusalem. Coming to this holy place you will find an atmosphere of mystry. Eleven rock churches carved out of solid granite rocks of the mountain signify the new Ethiopian Jerusalem. The churches are divided into two groups according to their location with respect to the river Jordan and are connected to eachother by means of narrow underground passages. Each church has its own unique architectural style and most are decorated with well preserved paintings. Even if the fame of the wonders of the world has been outworn and the word “Wonder” itself has been misused, any visitor will rediscover its true meaning when faced with the brock churches of Lalibella.

HARRAR HARRAR In Eastern Ethiopia on the southern edge of of the mountains is the old city of harrar,ancient Islamic city encircled by its medieval walls.the city . its many inhabitantsincluded merchantswho traelled far and wide particularly from Egypt Arabia and india. 19 century Richard Burton disguised as a Turkish trader became the first European to sample what he called the old walled city “Sinister fascination” The French Poet Arthur Rimbaud followed Burton in the 1880s to explore Harrar. And reside in the city . Today his remarkable house stll stands at the center of the city. SIEMEN MOUNTAINS SIEMEN MOUNTAINS In the breathtaking Semien Mountains, most of the country’s endemic animals are found. The country’s highest mountain peak, Ras Dashen the 4th highest mountain in Africa( 4543 Mts) is on the edge.The panoramic view of simen has an incredible landscape,Peaks and deep gorges.It is one of the world heritage sites registered by UNESCO..

OMO VALLEY OMO VALLEY – Facinating tribes of the Omo Valley The omo valley is a home oto remarkablemix of people.Ethnic groups including Bume,Karo,Geleb,Bodi,Mursi, Arbore, Hammer, Surma and many more.These tribes have unique ways to express their artistic impulses. They are experts at body painting,using clays and locally available vegetable pigmentsto trace patterns on each others faces, chests and legs. These designse have no special symbolic significance but are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect. THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION Ethiopias Danakil depression has many points more than one hundred metres bbelow sealevel, where tempretures are soar above 50 degree centigrade.Here the Earths crust is thin and hot yellow sulpher fields staining the dazzling white of salt beds are a constant remindersof scemic activity. Hominid skeleton 3.5 million years old was found in Hadar on the lower Awsah river in Ethiopias Danakil region. The AFARS proud Ethiopian nomadic pastoralists inhabit in this region. They carry salt on their camel caravansup to the highlands..

BALE MOUNTAINS BALE MOUNTAINS Gale mountains with their vast moorelands , virgin woodlands and the alpine climate are a beautiful world set in the southern highlands of Ethiopa.The mountains rise to a highest of over 4000 mtres. The park is 425 kms far from Addis Ababa.Not far from the mountains is one of the worlds most spectacular and extensive underground caverns”The Sof Omar Cave System”. The Sofomar cave features an important Islamic shrine named after the saintly Sheik Sof Omar who looked refugee here many centuries ago., have a history that pre dates the arrival of Muslims in Bale regiona history calibrated in thousands. ARBA MINCH ARBA MINCH makes a most enduring impression on the mind of the visitor, whose name means forty springs The Twin lakes Abaya and Chamo are the two southern end of the Ethiopian great rift valley lakes.The waters of the Two Lakes are alive with tiger fish, catfish, Tilapia and giant Nile perch weighing up to 100Kgs.

The Hotels command splendid views of lakes and Nech Sar National Park, a sanctuary for the Swayens Heartbeast, one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia.Other game to be seen Zebras,Grants Gazzeles Water Bucks etc… RIFT VALLEY LAKES RIFT VALLEY LAKES The topography of the remarkable great rift valley is funneled between two dramatic escarpments, The last great massive movement of the Earth is home to a marvelous string of lakes that stretch from Ethiopia to south in Kenya, Tanzania and beyond. Each Ethiopian lakes have their own characters even those that lie side by side. In addition to the chain of lakesthe Ethiopian section of the rift has a chain of fascinating National Parks. Abyata –Shala, Netch Sar, Mago, Omo. This part of the country is also home to many diverse peoples and cultures. WILD LIFE AND BIRD WATCHING WILD LIFE AND BIRD WATCHING The country has a recorded list of242 land mamalls of which twenty eight are endemic and 857 spicies of birds have been identified out of which twenty seven are considered endemic.

Highlands, Forests, Lakes and wetlands contain abundant spicies In Bale mountains Nationalpark and Simen national park various endemics animals such as the Mountain Nyala, Simen Fox, ( Red Jackal) Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons, Meniliks bush buck can easily be seen. Press Ethiopia Tours, Ethiopian Travel, Tours Of Ethiopia Trekking The “roof of africa” Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and in the center of the country, there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters. With such high elevations and the breathtaking scenery, Ethiopia is said to be the ‘Roof of Africa’. The Semien Mountains region contains many summits above 4000 meters and culminates in the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen, at 4630 meters the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Walking amongst these peaks can feel like flying above the beautiful landscape. The Semiens dramatic topography is the result of the erosion of basalt lavas, which have been calculated to be nearly 3000 meters thick.

Rare species of animals such as the Walia, the Semien fox and the Gelada Baboons inhabit the Semien Mountains. There are also lots of endemic birds and plants. Similarly, Bale Mountains National Park encompasses a high altitude plateau that is broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend in to deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below. As you ascend into the mountains, you will experience changes in the vegetation with altitude, from Juniper to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at various times of year exhibit an abundance of colorful wildflowers. Bale Mountains National Park is the largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat in the whole of the continent. It gives you opportunities for unsurpassed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and the chance to view many of Ethiopia's endemic mammals, birds and plants. SEMIEN MOUNTAIN TREKKING Treks have been organized in Simien for the last three decades.

In the Simien mountains, the attractions include spectacular views from the northern escarpment, the presence of the endemic Walia ibex, gelada baboon and Simien fox, as well as Ethiopia's highest peak, the 4543-meter (14901 feet) high Ras Dashen (locally known as Ras Dejen), outside the park to the east. The Simiens are the most rugged mountains on the African continent, their natural beauty concurs the hearts of every visitor to this remote and unique national park The Simien Mountains Massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4,620m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa, and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points, and night temperatures often fall below zero.The Simien Mountains, north of Gondar, provide an excellent trekking area with a good infrastructure of equipment provision and guide facilities in place. This park has spectacular views and a large variety of wildlife, including baboons, ibexes, Ethiopian wolves and birds of prey such as the rare lammergeyer, a huge vulture.

The park is made up of a rocky massif, which slopes down to grasslands - the massif is cut by streams and gorges. The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3600m) are forested. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the Gelada Baboon and the rare Simien fox. The Simien fox, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by the visitor. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien mountains. BALE MOUNTAIN TREKKING Bale has a less inhabited, richer mosaic of high-altitude plateau, heather moorlands, and dense juniper forest, with an easily seen population of mountain nyala and simien fox, and some fabulous birds, many of them endemic.

For dedicated climbers, Bale offers Tullu Deemtu at 4377 meter (14553 feet) and Mount Batu at 4207 meters (13799 feet), although these are just the highest "bumps" in the already very high Sanetti Plateau. The other option to trek in Bale is outside of the park on the massive chain ecological mountain by starting from the town of Dodolla or Adaba. SEE BOTH IN DEETAIL BELOW. The Bale Mountains offer guided wilderness trekking amidst juniper woodlands, across Afroalpine moorlands, over rugged and breath-taking mountains, and through thick tropical forest. The diversity of habitats, scenery, and wildlife is awe inspiring. It is one of those special places in Ethiopia where visitors can see rare and endemic wildlife, appreciate the tranquillity of their natural surroundings, and find themselves far from the densely populated cities and towns. Trekking in the Bale Mountains can be adapted to meet the requirements and physical abilities of almost any person – from fairly gentle and undemanding trips to more extreme and physically challenging ones. Visitors are free to horseback ride or hike between campsites.

Most trekkers make the journey with a mixture of walking and riding as this provides a varied experience in the mountains – plus climbing to an altitude of over 4000 m above sea level can be tiring. All levels of horseback riding experience can be catered for – the local mountain horses come in a variety of personalities from gentle to high-spirited; thus no prior riding experience is required. Treks can range from a day trip to a two week expedition, from traveling 5 or 10 km per day to 25 km per day. Every night can be spent in a different campsite, or one can choose to explore a particular area for more than a day. Local guides, all members of the newly-formed Nyala Guides Association, will help you select the best route depending on the time you have available, your sightseeing interests, and the amount of physical energy you would like to exert Dodola Destination The 4 forest camps are at an altitude between 3,080 and 3,460 metres above sea level. Each camp can be reached from Dodola in half a day. Thus, your trip can start in the afternoon but no later than 2 p.m.

Setting off early in the morning is preferable, especially during the rains. The distance between camps is 5 to 18km. It takes between a few hours and half a day of walking or riding to travel from one camp to the other. This allows you to spend every night in a different camp. If you do not have time for all 4 camps, the guide will help select the ones most suited to your personal preferences. Also, tours of just one night with two half days for ascending and descending are possible. There is also one tented camp (Cangity) situated at the edge of the forest with very beautiful scenery. The camp is only half and hour’s drive from Dodola and then only 20 minutes by foot or horse. A group of more than 16 people and up to 5 families can be accommodated at the camp. Your trip to this site can start any time before 5 p.m. from Dodola town. . Adaba destination The Adaba destination is situated 55km from the Bale Mountain National Park (BMNP) head office, Dinsho.

There are 3 tented campsites and one hut at an altitude between 3,000 and 3,600 metres above sea level. Each camp can be reached from Adaba in half a day, but it is better to start in the morning. The distance to the nearest camp from Adaba town is 7km and from each camp to the next is from 11 to 20km. There are different routes depending on the preference of the visitors. SURMA TREKKING The enigmatic Surma peoples live as half nomads in the south west along the omo river.due to their geographical isolation they were able to maintain their unique culture. Surma women wear when they reach age of maturity, lip plates and ear plates as a sign of beauty. The unmarried man plays stick fighting known as donga and being a winner will be considered as hero and by girls valued highly during their mate selection besides having many herds of cattle. The surma villages along the hills will a glance of astonishing customs and ceremonies to experience for trekkers while they walk on the hot temperate surma chain hill.

BEST TIME FOR TREKKING The best time to go trekking varies, depends on where one is going, but in general it is wise to avoid the rainy seasons. As far as the Simien Mountains are concerned the period between November and March is reliably dry. December to February is the best season to trek in Bale, while in the south-west highlands, which are more temperate than the Bale or Simien mountains, any time between October and March Jacaranda Tours The rift valley lakes The Semien Mountains National Park The Simien Mountains massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (aka Ras Dashen) 4620m, which is the fourth highest peak on the continent. The park was formed mainly to protect the Waliya Ibex, a type of indigenous wild goat. Approximately over a thousand Waliya Ibex are said to live in the sanctuary of the park. The park is also home to Gelada Baboons and the illusive Simien fox. The Simien fox, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by visitors. It is reported that over 50 species of birds are found in the park.

The national park has three botanical regions, the lower slopes, the alpine region and the higher lands. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. A natural event which took place millions of years ago created an extraordinary landscape, deep gorges and peaks providing the Semien Mountains the most magnificent view ideal for trekking. Here it is possible to trek for several days encountering Gelada Baboons, Waliya Ibex, an assortment of birds and if lucky the illusive Semien fox. The Bale Mountains National Park The Bale Mountains, which lie over 2,400 Square kilometers, is a home for various flora and fauna species. The park which comprises of riverine plains, woodlands and bush lands, is a home for several endemic species like Mountain Nyala and Semien fox. The park is believed to be established to protect these two animals.

The second highest peak in Ethiopia, Tullu Dimtuu, with a peak of 4,377 meter above sea level, is located in the park. The forest is also home to different pig species, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, African hunting dogs and many others. More over the Bale Mountains is home to 16 endemic bird species. The park is among the most suitable walking areas in the country with a chance to see several endemic and common species at a close distance. Awash National Park The park is found in the lowlands to the east, 211 Kms from the capital. With total area of 827 square kilometers, it’s bounded with Awash River in the south. The Fantale volcano, where one can see the dark scar of the latest lava flow, is among the main features of the park. The plains of the park are excellent for game viewing and admiring the spectacular Awash Gorge. Awash is home for numerous bird species and endemic animals like Swayne’s hartebeest The Mago National Park Mago National Park, which is home for a wide range of people, is found on the east bank of the Omo River.

The park was established in 1979 and with a total area of 2162 square kilometers, it is the place where the most fascinating tribes including the Mursi, Karo, Banna, Hammer, Bodi and Dizi still live in the most primitive way. The park mainly consist of grasslands with some forest areas located around the rivers. Many animals can be found in the Mago National Park. Some of the common ones are the buffalo, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, leopard, lion and zebra. Bird species are also prevalent in Mago, with the rare Turdoides tenebrosus (Dusky Babbler) being found at Lake Dipa. Omo National Park It's found in the West bank of the Omo River which runs along the Sudan border. The park is home for several wild animals. The park provides an opportunity for trekking where one can visit the Suma people, who are almost similar with Mursi where the women wear a clay disk on their lip.

Gambella National Park With total area of 5, 061 square kilometers, the Gambela National park is located 850 km west of Addis Ababa. The Gambela Park was established primarily to protect two species of endangered wetland antelopes: the White-eared Kob and the Nile Lechwe. Other wildlife reported as living here include populations of elephant, lion, tiang, Lelwel Hartebeest, olive baboon, and guereza monkey. Several birds only found in this area include the shoebill stork, the Long-tailed Paradise Whydah and the Red-throated and Green Bee-eaters. The park is also famous for whale-headed stork, roan antelope, topi, African Buffalo and giraffe. The Riftvally Lakes Ethiopia has several amazing geographical features and the Great Rift Valley is among the stunning ones. The Rift Valley which is more than 9000 km long and stretching from Jordan to Mozambique was created by the rifting of the great continental masses of Africa and Arabia In the southern part of Ethiopian Highlands where the Rift Valley splits into two, we find a giant tear of the earth’s surface linked with chain of Lakes.

This region also boosts several National parks and forests which are among the last natural ones left in the world. The south is also home to the Dorze people, where the Old Dorze village of Chencha glimpses the ancient Ethiopia in their beehive shaped houses made from bamboo and the leaves of enset, false banana. Moreover, the Dorze people are famous through out the country for their unique weavings. The land offers a unique unpolluted culture, ceremonies, incredible life styles, astounding sceneries where views vary from one tribe to the other.

Question: The Semien Mountains whose highest peak is Ras Dashen lie in what African country?
Answer: Ethiopia